Killing Luther Pastor

Transcription

1 Killing Luther Pastor Martin Luther died February 18, In his last year, amid much health issues, he preached only 41 times along with many writings, engagements. In the last days of his life he traveled to Eisleben to sort out a squabble among the local nobility. Eisleben was his birthplace and ancestral home. He had a strong commitment to its being governed well. He described the squabble among the nobility as "more prickly that the most difficult of porcupines." You can picture it where noble brothers at the table won t talk to each other and only correspond through written notes and lawyers speaking for them at the table. Luther traveled in the dead of winter to Eisleben while exhibiting what we would call the signs of congestive heart failure. It would be his last trip. Amid the discussions, he preached at St. Andrew s church one last time, helped out of the pulpit and church and led just down the street. He would die early the next day. Luther's body was hardly cold when squabbles arose among Lutherans about the content of Luther's confession and the faith of the Lutheran Church. Lutherans themselves battled for more than 30 years until the Formula of Concord resolved struggles over significant Lutheran teachings, such as justification, law and gospel, the person of Christ, and the sacrament of the altar. ALL things were settled on the basis of Scripture. Lutherans ALWAYS kept/keep practices, ceremonies, teachings that are in accord with Scripture and thus ALWAYS catholic, but not Roman or moving in the direction of the new emerging Reformed church. Not only did squabbles arise among Lutherans but enemies of the Lutheran Church certainly gathered to battle his corpse. The Roman Church commenced its antievangelical Council of Trent just weeks before Luther's death, anticipating the event. Soon after the death of Luther, Emperor Charles V of the Holy Roman Empire and King of Spain made war against the German Lutheran princes defeating them soundly at the battle of Mühlhausen in When the Emperor arrived in Wittenberg, he wanted to take a victorious step inside the famous Castle Church. His men got the church Sexton to bring the keys. Upon gaining entrance, Charles went to stand below the pulpit where Luther's mortal remains lay under the floor, buried just 18 months prior. When one of his subordinates suggested that they should dig up the German heretic and burned [a-la Jan Hus, 1415], Charles replied, "I do not make war on dead men," showing himself respectful in victory. He wasn't about to try to kill a dead man. Luther's body remains there to this day, right under the pulpit. [Luther, Philip Melanchthon and Prince John are buried inside the Castle Church]. Confessional [genuine] Lutheranism should not have survived, even to this day if you study history its history. Following the death of Luther, the history of Lutheranism is really about how many tried to escape the hold/the killing of Luther's teaching on justification, the power of the gospel, and the evangelical administration of the sacraments as means of grace. But these things are God's things, not Luther's. They will survive his death no matter how hard some plot to kill Luther, then and even Lutherans in our day who try to kill him and his teachings. Special Events: Feb. 5 Souper Bowl Party Feb. 12 New Member class begins Feb. 19 Potluck & Voter s Assembly Feb. 28 PfannKuchen Tag (Pancake Day) risensaviorlcms.org Pastor Weinkauf cell pastor@risensaviorlcms.org Vicar Sorenson cell

2 Lord, I Can Die Now? Vicar Sorenson February 2nd is the 40th day after Christmas. The decorations have long since come down, yet Christmas is still on the mind of the church, even during Epiphany. For it is on this 40th day after the birth of Christ, when an important event takes place: the purification of Mary and the presentation of our Lord. We read in Luke 2:22, And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. This fulfills the Law which was given in both Leviticus 12 and Exodus 13. In Leviticus 12, it is stated a woman who gives birth to a son shall have him circumcised on the eighth day (January 1st for Jesus) and she shall come to the priest on the 40th day to be made clean according to the Law. For this reason, Luke mentions the purification of Mary, but there is even more to it than simply following the Law. Part of the purification rite (or liturgy) would be for the woman to bring to the priest a lamb for a sacrifice, or two turtledoves or pigeons if she is unable to afford a lamb (Lev 12:8). Luke tells us Mary brought the latter, turtledoves or pigeons. What he leaves unsaid is Mary also brought a lamb: Jesus, the Lamb of God. This Lamb will do what the turtledoves and pigeons point forward to, He will die for the sins of Mary and for the sins of the world, bringing about true purification. But what about the presentation of Jesus? This is where Exodus 13:1-2 comes in. The Lord said to Moses, Consecrate to me all the firstborn. So it was, when the mother would come to be purified, she would bring the child to be presented to the Lord. Christ, the firstborn of Mary and the firstborn of all creation (Col 1:15), fulfills this Law here on the 40th day after His birth. This is where it becomes even more amazing. As Jesus is presented at the temple, a man comes and takes Jesus into his arms, blessing God and saying, Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel (Luke 2:29-32). That man was Simeon and his song is the Nunc Dimittis. For indeed, the presentation of Christ is about more than fulfilling the Law. It s an epiphany, a revelation, a manifestation. Simeon proclaims that this child is the Christ. He has come to save His people, both Jews and Gentiles. Now that Simeon has seen the Christ and held Him, he is in essence saying, Lord, I can die now. I have seen my salvation. I have held the one who has come to destroy death and give life. I have held him in my arms as You have promised. It is no accident, then, that this song of Simeon is sung immediately after the Lord s Supper. In the Supper, Jesus is presented again to you. You behold Him. You hold Him on your tongue. You have seen your salvation in the flesh before you. You have seen the one who has destroyed death and gives you life. So after the Supper, you join with Simeon in saying, Lord, I can die now. I have seen my salvation. I know that death has been destroyed. You are letting your servant depart in peace.

3 Souper Bowl Party Leyla Reinhard, Board of Fellowship Our highly-coveted traveling Souper Bowl trophy will be up for grabs. Make your best soup in a crockpot and bring it for the contest. All are welcome, as we will have a gathering in Wittenberg Hall beginning at 4:30 pm. Super Bowl Kickoff is 5:30 pm. Bring any food, beverages if you wish, but several beverages and snacks will be provided. The game will be on a couple of our TVs or come and watch the commercials, eat, and visit. Activities for children too. Sunday School Kim Youth Group First Dunn, Board of Education Another Sunday School game night/ Parent s night out planned Friday, Feb. 10, 5:30-8 pm. Infants thru High School welcome. Food and snacks provided. No cost. A great time for a valentine date! New Classrooms should be done by end of March!!! Sunday of the month (usually); Food & activity, 6-8 pm No February Youth Group due to the Souper Bowl. There will be a sign-up for meals for Lent, first meal March 8! Then March 22 and April 5. Higher Things gathering in July at Valparaiso University, letters went out. See Vicar or Pastor whether you are going OR not; need to know asap. Stay up to date facebook.com/risensaviorlutheranyouth February 5 4:30 pm Feb. 10 5:30-8 pm Dare to be Lutheran March 5 6:00 pm Women in Mission Chyleen Pauesick, President February Event will be February 9, 5:30 p.m., in Wittenberg Hall. Ins and Outs of Homeschooling Susan Muntzel and Amy Maurer will present on the topic of Homeschooling. Feb. 9 5:30 pm We have an exciting program plan for Please watch monthly for events and announcements. Men of Risen Savior Men s GameNight Next gathering Feb. 24, 7 pm. All men of the congregation (and any friends), over 18, are welcome to come to our monthly Men s GameNight. This is a collegial time for men of the congregation to gather and enjoy a time of gregarious, godly behavior. Sometimes LIVE MUSIC, usually play cards, usually enjoy smoked meats, always have snacks and fine beverages. Usually 4 th Friday of the month Feb pm

4 Feb. 12 5:00 pm Feb. 19 Feb pm Evangelism leads to Susan Eubanks, Board of Outreach Lutheran evangelism is different from the modern evangelism displayed among most Christians. Usually theirs is based on a decision theology works of man to save people. Why are we different? Simply stated, because our historical, confession of the faith, that of the Scriptures on: 1) how the Holy Spirit works; 2) God s means of grace; 3) how someone is converted/saved. It s not unlike the differences we share with other Christians on the Sacraments. "Evangelism," the Good News, this Scriptural truth shows us is -preaching, teaching, study of God's Word faithfully, liturgical worship, the proper use of the Sacraments, the daily living out of our faith in Jesus Christ, in the fellowship of the body of Christ, in love toward others. This is the appropriate, effective program for sharing the faith, confessing Christ, and "growing the Church." That is why we should consider it a joy to share with others -what we have at Risen Savior that they are missing out on. Invite family and friends to visit worship, Bible classes, activities at the church. Share with them about Risen Savior. Don t assume they are not interest and certainly don t think if they already have a church and there is no need. Now is the time to think of some people to invite/encourage to look into Risen Savior, perhaps bring them to the new member class. West Door Entry Erik Borgeson, Board of Trustees The Trustees have installed a key box located at the west entrance to the church. A key that was formerly stored under the pence cap; the box is bolted to the same fence post. The access code is 316 (think John 3:16). The box is similar to realtor key boxes that you may have seen on empty homes for sale. Should you desire, the Board of Trustees has additional keys will be glad to sign a key to you on an enduring basis. Any questions call Erik Borgeson (913) Congregation Potluck & Voter s Assembly Following the late service, Feb. 19, all are invited to a congregational potluck, followed by the Voter s Assembly. Members last name: A-M: please bring a main dish; N-Z. please bring a side dish, salad, dessert, or bread item. The Agenda will be out Feb. 12 to give everyone time to review and give prayerful consideration of the matters before the congregation. A quorum is needed. Please be there regarding Phase 2 construction. PfannKuchen Tag [Pancake Day] Board of Fellowship Come join us on Tuesday, February 28th from 5:00-7:00 pm. This day for centuries people gather and have festivities and eat rich foods on the Tuesday before Lent begins. The most famous pancake race, at Olney, England, has been held since The contestants, traditionally woman, carry a frying pan and race over a 415 yard course. The race is followed by a church service. Pancakes are associated with the day preceding Lent because they were a way to use up rich foods such as eggs, milk, and sugar, before the fasting season of the 40 days of Lent. The liturgical fasting emphasized eating plainer food and refraining from food that would give pleasure. We ll have food and actives for all ages as we revel in celebrating God s gifts and our lives together, then the contract as seasons in the Church change with Ash Wednesday/Lent the following day.

5 John Huss [Jan Hus] July 6, 1415 More than 100 years before Martin Luther, Jan Hus, a priest, took a stand opposing the many abuses he saw in the Roman Catholic Church. Excommunicated in 1412, he was imprisoned for his heresy and in 1415 he was sentenced to death and burned at the stake. Like Luther later would, Hus inspired a reform movement that could not be stopped. Hus could have lived out his life as a professor and favored preacher in Prague, but that life would have gone against God s truth found in the Scriptures. Hus ideas were greatly influenced by the writings of John Wycliffe, an English scholar and theologian of the 14th century, whose teachings stressed the sole authority of Scripture. Hus took a stand opposing the many abuses he saw in the Roman Catholic Church, such as simony (the act of selling church offices or roles), the sale of indulgences (granting remission of sins in purgatory for a price) and pilgrimages to view relics. Hus stance created many enemies amid his fellow clergy; he soon became embroiled in a political controversy in the church. In December 1409, Pope Alexander V issued a papal bull ordering the suppression of Wycliffe s writings and forbidding preaching in chapels. Hus refused to stop preaching to his parishioners and was excommunicated and later forced to leave Prague in He spent much of his time in exile writing and translating the Bible into the Bohemian language. Jan Hus was to be given Imperial safe passage but he was strip of his rights and unceremoniously burned at the stake at the Council of Constance in Martin Luther was painfully aware of what happened to Hus as Luther had been given the same "safe passage" when he went to Worms in 1521 to make his stand before Charles V. Luther knew an Imperial safe passage was no guarantee they won t kill you. Hus was imprisoned on Nov. 28, He appeared before the Council at Constance several times, unwilling to recant. On July 6, 1415, Hus was sentenced to death as a heretic and turned over to the secular authorities to be burned at the stake. Following his death, his ashes were thrown into the Rhine River. Hus sparked reform in his homeland of Bohemia 100 years before Martin Luther did the same in Germany. His convictions centered on following God s truth, which was found only in the Scriptures an idea that influenced Luther. Hus and Luther inspired reform movements that could not be stopped. Interesting note: while Hus was being burned said "Now we will cook the goose." (Hus in Bohemian means goose!), "but after a hundred years they will hear a swan sing; him they will not cook and will endure. Luther did fulfill Jan Hus future speculation and a symbol of a swan historically was associated with Luther. Katharina von Bora Jan. 29, 1499-Dec. 20, 1552 A woman of considerable strength and courage, Katharina von Bora left her convent life when she learned from Martin Luther s writings that Christ s grace came through faith alone. The freedom she gained from this knowledge also allowed her to marry the man whose writings had taught her about God s saving grace. As manager of the Luther household, she kept everything in order so her husband could focus on theology. She was renowned for her hosting Martin s frequent gatherings of students and other theologians. She was very well known for her beer brewing. An escaped nun, wife and mother of six children, Katharina was a woman of considerable strength and courage. When she learned from Martin Luther s writings that Christ s grace came through faith alone, not through her prayers and works as a nun, she left her convent life. The freedom she gained from this knowledge also allowed her to marry the man whose writings had taught her about God s saving grace. As manager of their household, she kept everything in order so Luther could focus on theological issues. It was no wonder he called her Katie, my rib. Life was not easy for Katharina following Martin s death. Katharina and children were forced to flee twice during the Schmalkaldic Wars. Much of her property was destroyed, and she was impoverished. She once again found herself fleeing Wittenburg with her family in 1552 because of the plague. Then a tragic accident occurred while traveling, and Katharina was seriously injured. She was taken to Torgau where she remained for three months before dying Dec. 20, 1552.

6 Marriage Help retrouvaille.org Pastor For you or someone you may know.please see me for pastoral help! but here is a referral for professional help. It takes place twice a year just down the road on Parallel at Savior Pastoral Center. It costs $100 and involves a weekend and follow-up gatherings. One is coming up Feb. 17 which would need immediate registration. Another is in August. The website provides dates/times as these events happen all over the US. From the website: A Program to Help Couples Heal and Renew their Marriages. Do you feel lost, alone or bored in your marriage? Are you frustrated, hurt or angry with your spouse? Are you constantly fighting? Or, do you simply shut down? Have you thought about separation or divorce? Does talking about it only make it worse? Retrouvaille consists of a weekend experience combined with a series of 6-12 post-weekend sessions over 3 months. It provides the tools to help put your marriage in order again. The main emphasis of the program is on communication in marriage between husband and wife. It will give you the opportunity to rediscover each other and examine your lives together in a new and positive way. The team presents a technique of communication that enables you to take a good look at most areas of your relationship. The team does not provide marriage advice. The team provides practical tools for improving your marriage. What the Program is not. It is not a spiritual retreat, not a marriage encounter or marriage seminar although it does have characteristics of each of these and much more. You will, however, be encouraged to put the past behind you and start rediscovering each other. It is not a marriage counseling, or a sensitivity group. There are neither group dynamics nor group discussions on the weekend. It is not a time for hurting; it is a time for healing. Who is it for? It is for couples with marital problems including those who are considering marriage separation and those who are already separated or divorced that want marriage help. Some couples come to Retrouvaille during the initial signs of a marriage problem. Other couples are in a state of despair and hopelessness when they attend the program. These latter couples often consider the Retrouvaille program their final option. Many lawyers and judges send couples to Retrouvaille as a prerequisite to filing for a divorce or rendering final decisions. Weekly Bible Classes Sunday 9:15 John Wednesday 10:00 am Acts Upcoming Divine Services [Hymn of the Day in bold] Feb. 5 5 th SUNDAY EPIPHANY The Righteousness of Christ Isaiah 58:3 9a; 1 Corinthians 2:1 12 (13 16); Matthew 5:13 20 Setting 4, Hymns: Feb th SUNDAY EPIPHANY Christ Sets Life Before Us; that We Walk in His Ways Deuteronomy 30:15 20; 1 Corinthians 3:1 9; Matthew 5:21 37 Setting 4, Hymns: Feb th SUNDAY EPIPHANY God Manifests in Christ His Compassion and Forgiveness Leviticus 19:1 2, 9 18; 1 Corinthians 3:10 23; Matthew 5:38 48 Setting 4, Hymns: Feb. 26 TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD God Manifests His Glory in the Body of Christ Exodus 24:8 18; 2 Peter 1:16 21; Matthew 17:1 9 Setting 2, Hymns:

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8 Thank You To those cleaning the church in January: the Brooks ; the Wade s; the Scharnhorst s; the Byrd s. To Micah Minson for the refrigerator repair. To Gene Davidson for the smoke detector repair and work on the Building Committee. To the family of Jim Evans for the Outdoor Nativity set Financial Full report posted in Church Office. Through end of December: Budget $232,800 Offerings $287,148 Expenses $228,235 $ 58,913 Book of Concord Study Sunday, Feb. 24, 6 pm Join us any time. All welcome to come for an evening of enrichment in our Lutheran doctrine and Scriptural engagements, food, & refreshments. Childcare provided. Last Sunday evening of the month Building Fund As of 1/1/17: $23,480 This is indeed a special time as the Lord continues to grow His Church here and we address that now and future generations may grow and be enriched by our Lord in this place. LutheransForLife.org Why do we speak up for those in the womb who cannot speak? Because they are created, redeemed, and little ones whom God wants to call. Every life has value because every life is someone created by God, redeemed by the blood of Jesus, and someone He either has called or wants to call into an eternal relationship with Him. It doesn t have to be complicated! We are a sponsoring congregation issuesetc.org 24/7 internet radio Risen Savior Lutheran Church Leavenworth Rd. Basehor, KS risensaviorlcms.org